Registered Respiratory Therapist

Basic Requirements

United States Citizenship. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency. RRTs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a respiratory care program accredited by the CoARC or its successor. Licensure.

Persons appointed or reassigned to RRT positions in the GS-0601 series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a full, current and unrestricted license from a state to practice as an RRT. Credential. Persons appointed or reassigned to RRT positions in the GS-0601 series must possess and maintain for the duration of employment a valid,current, unrestricted credential of RRT. Grade Determinations.

In addition to the basic requirements for employment above, all individuals referred and assigned to this occupation must meet all the qualification requirements and KSAs defined in the specific assignment as follows: Registered Respiratory Therapist, GS-12. Experience, Licensure and Credential. Candidates must have: One (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level demonstrating the clinical competencies described at that level. Assignments at the GS-11 level.

RRTs at this grade level work independently providing respiratory care in both inpatient and/or outpatient settings. The specific assignments are dependent on facility structure and complexity levels. They use data and patient assessment to establish appropriate plan of care and determine if outcomes are being met. They consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality of patient care within area of specialty.

They manage and maintain the airway and ventilation of the patient using appropriate mechanical means. RRTs determine and implement complex respiratory care such as protocols, respiratory modalities, bronchoscopy, medications or supplemental oxygen and intubation. They monitor critical systems. They use advanced modes of ventilation and outpatient services, such as home ventilators and COPD case management.

RRTs suggest alternate modes of treatment where indicated based on assessment and analysis of patient response to treatment. RRTs at this grade level may perform invasive procedures such as arterial line placement. They serve as a preceptor to lower graded staff. They may lead projects developing new policies, procedures or protocols. Hold an active license and RRT credential.

The following certifications are desirable but not required: Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT), Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT) or Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (RPSGT). Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the requirements above, candidates must demonstrate all the following KSAs: Knowledge of complex pulmonary function testing and stress/exercise testing. Ability to maintain a quality control program related to pulmonary function testing.

Ability to treat acute complications for all pulmonary function testing. Skill in performing polysomnographic studies to include obtaining both physiologic and diagnostic data. Skill in calibrating and troubleshooting polysomnographic equipment and physiologic and diagnostic monitoring.

Preferred Experience

Previous experience in leadership, preceptor, educator, or supervisory role. Minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible RRT experience, preferably in an acute care setting. Credentialed by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) as RRT, with additional specialty credentials (such as Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT), or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD Educator) are often highly desirable.

Experience with complex patients/populations such as veterans with COPD, ALS, spinal cord injury, or another complex comorbidity. Proficiency in department improvement, protocol development, and/or policy writing. Demonstrated ability to participate in interdisciplinary collaboration, serve as a subject-matter expert, and/or lead quality or safety initiatives.

5 years of progressively responsible clinical experience as a Registered Respiratory Therapist in a hospital setting, with at least 1 year in a supervisory or education role. Experience in the VA Healthcare System and with the care of complex cardiopulmonary patients is preferred. Advanced credentials such as Adult Critical Care Specialist (ACCS) are highly desirable. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12.

Physical Requirements

VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. Work is primarily performed in out-patient care areas but can be both inpatient and outpatient. Extensive interaction with patients, staff, physicians, family members, and visitors is involved. It may involve walking, standing, and bending, reaching and stretching to set-up and taking apart equipment, lifting and positioning patient. Carrying, pushing or pulling moderate heavy objects (15-44 lbs.).

Driving to patient's homes and outreach clinics.

OXYGEN PROGRAM COORDINATION Responsible for monitoring & troubleshooting all modalities of home ventilators & oxygen delivery systems. Ensures annual oxygen qualification standards for patients are maintained. Trains RRTs, other staff &/or patients/caregivers on existing & newly acquired equipment, therapies & medications. Determines the continuing education needs of staff to identify appropriate resources to meet those needs.

Ability to develop clinical policy, procedures, protocols, competencies, & simulations relative to respiratory care. Sets up & changes oxygen delivery devices & assures proper delivery of ordered liter flow or concentration. Maintains knowledge of respiratory drugs, appropriateness of therapy, patient's response to therapy, adverse drug effects, & proper drug dosage. Follows the National Directive for the Home Oxygen Program & participates in committees associated with the program.

This includes site visits, home visits, & oxygen prescription renewals to ensure compliance with expired prescriptions. Coordinates with Prosthetic Services to ensure patient receives appropriate equipment services. Performs oximetry testing, exercise & resting, titrates oxygen liter flow for appropriate saturations & reports in main computer system.

Provides oversight and supports a home oxygen program which will include ordering home oxygen evaluations, an expert level knowledge of VA oxygen qualification standards, & high-level familiarity of home oxygen modalities. Partners/coordinates with VA Contracting Officers as well as external vendors & suppliers of VA services to include home oxygen services. Assists physician staff in the management of patients on home ventilation modalities.

PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTING Completes complex pulmonary function testing & stress/exercise testing. Treats acute complications during pulmonary function testing. Calibrates and troubleshoots pulmonary function testing equipment. Maintains and performs quality controls, biologic testing, & machine maintenance logs according to the ATS standards. Develops & implements policies &guidelines following ATS standards, make recommendations about new & emerging modalities.

Maintains understanding of the PACT ACT & Burn Pitt Registry & requirements. DIAGNOSTIC TESTING Oversees the Electrocardiogram (EKG) & Cardiac Event Monitor program. This includes staff in the CBOC's, Specialty RN's, & RRT staff enrolling & placing monitors. Sets up & assists physicians in the performance of exercise tolerance tests, treadmills (Cardiac Stress Tests), according to policy & procedure.

Performs pulmonary function testing including routine spirometry, flow volume loop & pre & post bronchodilator & diffusion studies. Responsible for the MUSE system to collect, store, review & manage EKG data. Provides input to clinicians to review, compare & interpret EKGs. Facilitates ordering, confirming & finalizing EKG's requiring follow up. HOME SLEEP TESTING: Performs basic HST (Home Sleep Testing) & communicates tests to Pulmonary Physician.

This includes uploading tests along with overseeing RRT staff to ensure competencies & procedures are being followed. Troubleshoots sleep equipment & diagnostic monitoring data. Performs instruction for hook up of overnight oximetry testing for patient &/or patient caregiver; downloads data from oximetry, cleans the equipment, interprets oximetry test & reports findings in the main computer system.

Sets up PAP therapy on patients, completes the order in the computer system, places supply orders, & performs downloads relaying findings. Sets up home oxygen for patients as ordered by physician; notifies vendor, completes order in computer system. Troubleshoots Somnoware & consult issues making sure to stay in compliance with telehealth agreement. Maintains telehealth & RCT service agreements. Downloads Noc Oximetry data uploads for provider interpretation.

Works closely with the sleep physician sending out results letters & notifying patients of test results. Calls the patients & performs intakes on all sleep appointments. Exercises knowledge of home sleep testing & high-level interpretation knowledge & will coordinate with tele-health and follow the National Sleep Guidelines on professional interpretation of sleep studies & coordinate veteran care to external partners.

Oversees the mailing program for overnight oximeters & sleep testing to ensure patient care is adequate. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm Telework: On an ad-hoc basis. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 61618-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.